After being bombarded with a massive dose of gamma radiation while saving a young man's life during the testing of an experimental bomb, Dr. Robert Bruce Banner was transformed into the Incredible Hulk: a green behemoth who is the living personification of rage and pure physical strength. He has currently taken on a new persona: Doc Green.

Just an idea: Banner + Mysterious Substance = Hulk?

One day, a fragment of a meteorite is found in the depths of the sea. In these fragments there is Adamantium, Vibranium and a strange, green substance. The substance is a gel-like, viscous liquid that reacts to certain stimuli. It is no living, neither plant protozoa nor fungus. Notwithstanding, it seems to have a life of its own: it can move, change its shape and its texture. A microscopic fiber of it has the traction to pull a tank. If the substance is exposed to severe stress, it adapts: either by rapid growth, unlimited strength or by increasing resistance (all that by absorption of cosmic energy). It also has the ability to penetrate into living beings and to replace their body tissue by its own. The substance penetrates into Banner's body and replace his body tissue by its own. If Banner becomes angry the substance grows and transforms him into the Hulk.

Alternative Version:

Bruce Banner is building a machine with which he can absorb cosmic energy and research on human body tissue. The absorbed energy is altered by the machine and affects the body tissue (either by accident or intentionally).

According to Version 1, the reason for Banner's transformation is of extraterrestrial origin. I can imagine that this idea would be hard to accept. On the other hand, an extraterrestrial origin leaves much room for stories: S.H.I.E.L.D., Hulk, Abomination, etc. It could be a big and unexplored mystery of the Marvel universe; as well as the cosmic energy, which can be used for different purposes (drive energy, weapons, materials, communication systems).

The Alternative Version remains on earth, the reason for the Hulk is Banner's research. Again, the substance and the energy can play an important and creative role in the comic book stories. Iron Man, for example, could use Banner´s energie as a drive for his suit. Since the substance is still largely unexplored, who knows what one can do with it? A criminal union could try to modify it and use it as a weapon (production of mutants).Thus, the harmful and deadly gamma radiation would disappear (something that has always been unscientific).

What do you think? Is it a step too far or an acceptable idea for new stories?

@theacidskull: Well, let´s say: a multicellular, viscouse tissue. However, it depends on the version. According to the Alternative Version, Banner creates the tissue. Then it would be similar to Ang Lee's movie.